At $18,657/yr net price, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver graduates earn $63,435/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,435/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,657 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,073/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,906/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,301/yr |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Penn State Beaver delivers solid earnings potential with a $63,435 median salary ten years post-graduation, but the 21% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for most students who enroll. Your chances of completing a degree here are roughly one in five, making this campus a high-stakes gamble despite the Penn State name recognition.
The $18,657 annual net price sits in reasonable territory for a public institution, and the $25,000 median debt load remains manageable for graduates who actually finish. However, these numbers only matter if you're among the small fraction who make it to graduation. The 76% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that this campus isn't working for them.
Penn State Beaver functions primarily as a branch campus where students complete general education requirements before transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations. If you're using this as a stepping stone to the main campus, factor in additional costs and potential complications from transferring credits and extending your time to degree.
This campus makes financial sense only if you're confident in your academic preparation and motivation. Students who struggled in high school or need significant academic support should consider community college as a less expensive way to build skills before transferring. The low graduation rate suggests many students would benefit from starting elsewhere and transferring in later.
Financial aid reaches just 34% of students, indicating limited need-based support. Merit scholarships are minimal at branch campuses compared to University Park. Your best cost strategy involves completing two years here successfully, then transferring to finish your degree at a campus with stronger support systems and higher graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver worth the cost?
With a 21% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, Penn State Beaver presents significant financial risk for most students. The 10-year earnings of $63,435 don't justify the cost and debt load for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver?
Penn State Beaver has a 21.2% graduation rate, meaning nearly 4 out of 5 students don't finish their degree. This creates substantial debt risk without the earning potential that comes with completing a bachelor's degree.
How much debt do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver graduates have?
The median debt at Penn State Beaver is $25,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree to pay it back.
What programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver have good job prospects?
As a branch campus with limited program offerings, Penn State Beaver functions primarily as a transfer pathway to main campus rather than a destination for career-focused programs. Students should plan to complete their degree elsewhere for better ROI.